How Trauma and Stress Impact the Body
I see my clients’ potential for growth as intimately tied to my own ongoing development as a therapist. To remain effective, I dedicate myself to continual self-improvement, advanced education, and regular self-reflection. My personal journey through transformation has equipped me with practical, evidence-based techniques that have proven successful in real-world settings.
Once we establish a strong sense of safety together, I believe there are truly no limits to the growth you can achieve.
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From a neuroscientific perspective, there is compelling evidence that trauma and prolonged stress can have profound physical effects on the body. Research shows that up to 80% of people who experience psychological trauma develop real, persistent physical pain—ranging from headaches and muscle tension to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and back pain. This happens because trauma disrupts the delicate balance between the brain and body, causing the nervous system to become dysregulated. The body’s stress response, which is meant to be temporary, can become stuck in “overdrive,” flooding the system with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this state of heightened alertness can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms—even in the absence of a clear medical cause.
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Neuroscientific studies using brain imaging have found that trauma can alter the way the brain processes stress and pain. For example, trauma survivors often show increased activity in brain regions linked to emotional reactivity and pain perception, while the areas responsible for emotional regulation become less active. This imbalance can make it harder for the body to recover from stress, leading to a cycle where emotional pain and physical pain reinforce each other. The concept of allostatic load—the cumulative wear-and-tear on the body from chronic stress—helps explain why trauma can result in lasting physical health problems, including pain, cardiovascular issues, and immune dysfunction.
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Additionally, trauma can lead to a higher threshold for pain or a distorted relationship with pain itself. Some individuals may develop a tendency to tolerate or even seek out pain, often linked to feelings of guilt, shame, or a belief that they deserve punishment. This self-punishing mindset can be a deeply ingrained response to trauma, where emotional wounds manifest as physical suffering or self-harm behaviors. Understanding this dynamic is crucial in therapy, as it helps address not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying emotional patterns that sustain them.
Even without delving into the science, we instinctively know that emotional pain—like grief or heartbreak—can be felt physically. My approach integrates mind-body techniques designed to help recalibrate your nervous system, supporting real, positive changes in behavior and well-being. At its core, meaningful change is about adopting new ways of understanding ourselves, our relationships, and our place in the world.
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I invite you to embrace this journey—let’s get started.
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